A question I am frequently asked is who I work with as a coach. I work with literally everybody, from college graduates to senior corporate executives. I even work with a few foundation-sponsored cohorts, and in the non-business realm, artists, including New York City playwrights, and even Hollywood producers and known celebrities.
Here’s Some Background.
My very first career, which spanned 20 years, was in the arts, as a professional actor and writer in New York City and Los Angeles. (Which explains why I still coach such people.) As such, I maintained a second job at all times to support myself. This means I’ve worn many, many hats over those 30+ years in the working world, which enables me to work, by experience, with just about anybody. Because in the end, the best way about career development and job search is the same for nearly everyone.
Here’s a (very) shortlist of some professional experiences I’ve had up til this point. I’ve been in the working world since a young man.
Busboy. (My very first job, at age 9.)
Lifeguard. (Professional Rescuer certified. Nearly 10 years in 2 states, year-round. I was a competitive swimmer growing up, from age 9 til age 18, year-round. 100 Free was my event, if you’d like to know.)
Swimming Instructor. (Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certified. Professional Rescuer certified (one step beneath paramedic). Nearly 10 years in 2 states, year-round, and instructed over 1,000 adults and children over that time.)
Daycare. (My mom ran a private daycare center in our home, which I grew up in, and later helped with as I grew older. I had helped raise nearly a dozen children by the time I left for college.)
Waiter. (I wasn’t great at this one, but I learned a ton. Not an easy job, folks. Always tip your server.)
Personal Trainer. (My dad got me into weight-lifting, and I was an athlete growing up. I got certified to train others through the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and trained clients in NYC.
Bartender. (In a rather rough biker bar. What an experience. I’ll tell you about it.)
Executive Assistant. (Over 10 years of experience, and as senior as they come. Worked in the Executive Offices of Goldman Sachs; L’Oreal; Rockerfeller Brothers Fund, among a long list of other organizations that run from finance to religion. Was part of the Goldman Exec Admin team when the company went public.)
Professional actor. (Formally trained actor; BFA Theatre, emphasis Acting. 10 years in NYC, 5 years in Hollywood. Voting member of the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG-AFTRA) union. Member of Actor’s Equity (AEA), stage union. Principal and starring roles in film, tv, and stage. Over 125 episodes in daytime serial [soap opera] television.)
Playwright. (I still write short plays for DiscoveryOnstage, a multi-media kids’ Summer Acting camp in Los Angeles, California. You can see them here: DiscoverOnstage)
Screenwriter. (I still edit the works of a few Hollywood writers.)
Published writer, Nationally recognized. (Three career, and one audiobook which make up The 20-Minute Networking Meeting series. Two novels, not yet in print.)
Theatre instructor. (Adults and kids. Lawyers and other professionals, too, to help with speaking presence and team work.)
Non-Profit Board Member. (Development Committee; Governance Committee; Board Secretary; Executive Committee; Vice Chair. I’ve led the search for Executive Director and Managing Director roles for two internationally known arts non-profits.)
Retained Executive Search. My responsibility is to research candidates for the recruiters to recruit. (Over 14 years in this realm at the regional, national, and global levels. Everything from non-profit to energy; oil and gas fracking; high-tech; med-device; electronics, steel and manufacturing industries to name a few.)